Information processing apparatus, information processing method, program storage medium and program

ABSTRACT

An information processing apparatus and method are provided by which the user not only can merely see an album display but also can enjoy the album display satisfactorily as a memory. Image data are stored, and time information and position information are recorded in connection with the image data. Thumbnail icons representative of the image data are displayed in accordance with the time information, and a map image is displayed in concave/concave display. Position icons representative of the time information and the position information are displayed on the map image. The map and the thumbnail icons are moved on the display by at least one of different types of movement including horizontal movement, vertical movement, clockwise or counterclockwise rolling movement, upward or downward pitching movement and leftward or rightward yawing movement so that the user can enjoy various images.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a divisional application of application Ser.No. 09/922,191 filed Aug. 3, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,882,350, thedisclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein, andclaims priority from Japanese Application No. 2000-239067 filed Aug. 7,2000.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an information processing apparatus, aninformation processing method, a program storage medium and a program,and more particularly to an information processing apparatus, aninformation processing method, a program storage medium and a programwherein stored image data are displayed in various display manners inconnection with a map to make an observer feel happy.

As one of techniques of managing photograph images stored as digitaldata, a technique is known wherein map data and photograph data arecombined. According to this technique, positions on a map and picked upphotograph images are stored in a connected relationship with each otherinto an apparatus such as, for example, a computer, and the map isdisplayed on the screen of a display unit provided for the apparatussuch as a computer. Then, if a point at which a photograph was taken isdesignated on the map, then the photograph image picked up at thedesignated point is displayed as an image of a reduced size (such animage is hereinafter referred to as thumbnail icon) in the proximity ofthe designated point.

Such thumbnail icons representative of image data and position iconsrepresentative of positions on the map are displayed in a correspondingrelationship to each other, and if a certain position icon is selected,then a corresponding thumbnail icon is displayed, or if a certainthumbnail icon is selected, then a corresponding position icon isdisplayed. Thus, a large amount of image data can be managed readily anddisplayed intelligibly.

However, although each position icon includes position information ofphotographing, it does not include time series informationrepresentative of the time of image pickup, and indicates only a point.Therefore, if the user wants to know image pickup time information, thenthe user must perform another screen operation of selecting a thumbnailicon to obtain image pickup time information or the like.

Further, since the technique described above does not involve displaymeans for implementing such a function as to display the place and thetime of image pickup on an actual map as a memory, it merely displayspicked up photographs as an album and cannot allow the user to enjoy thedisplay satisfactorily.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an informationprocessing apparatus, an information processing method, a programstorage medium and a program by which a large amount of image data canbe managed readily and a screen of a high design performance can bedisplayed.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an informationprocessing apparatus, an information processing method, a programstorage medium and a program by which the user not only can merely seean album display but also can enjoy the album display satisfactorily asa memory.

In order to attain the objects described above, according to the presentinvention, a three-dimensional map image of a high design performance onwhich a topography is displayed in a concave/convex configuration orthree-dimensionally is displayed, and together with the map image,position icons having image pickup time information are displayed in atime series at portions in the air of the map image.

Further, an actual map is displayed as a three-dimensional topographyand memories upon image pickup are represented making use of the timeaxis thereby to make it possible to apply such complicatedrepresentations as to display a three dimensional display at variousangles to an album display so that the user can not only merely look atthe album display but also enjoy it satisfactorily as its memories.

It is to be noted that the term “thumbnail icon” is used in the presentspecification to include image information which can be recognizedvisually, and the term “icon” is used to include which has someinformation such as management information, position information or timeinformation but does not include image information.

In particular, according to an aspect of the present invention, there isprovided an information processing apparatus, comprising display means,image data inputting means for inputting image data, time informationinputting means for inputting time information in connection with theimage data, position information inputting means for inputting positioninformation in connection with the image data, map display control meansfor controlling display of a map image, position icon display controlmeans for controlling display of position icons indicative of the timeinformation and the position information on the map image whose displayis controlled by the map display control means, and concave/convexdisplay control means for controlling topographic concave/convex displayof the map image whose display is controlled by the map display controlmeans.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is providedan information processing method for an apparatus which includes displaymeans, comprising an image data inputting step of inputting image data,a time information inputting step of inputting time information inconnection with the image data, a position information inputting step ofinputting position information in connection with the image data, a mapdisplay control step of controlling display of a map image, a positionicon display control step of controlling display of position iconsindicative of the time information and the position information on themap image whose display is controlled by the map display control step,and a concave/convex display control step of controlling topographicconcave/convex display of the map image whose display is controlled bythe map display control step.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there isprovided an information storage medium on which a computer-readableprogram is recorded, the computer-readable program causing a computer toexecute an image data inputting step of inputting image data, a timeinformation inputting step of inputting time information in connectionwith the image data, a position information inputting step of inputtingposition information in connection with the image data, a map displaycontrol step of controlling display of a map image, a position icondisplay control step of controlling display of position icons indicativeof the time information and the position information on the map imagewhose display is controlled by the map display control step, and aconcave/convex display control step of controlling topographicconcave/convex display of the map image whose display is controlled bythe map display control step.

According to a still further aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a program for causing a computer to function as image datainputting means for inputting image data, time information inputtingmeans for inputting time information in connection with the image data,position information inputting means for inputting position informationin connection with the image data, map display control means forcontrolling display of a map image, position icon display control meansfor controlling display of position icons indicative of the timeinformation and the position information on the map image whose displayis controlled by the map display control means, and concave/convexdisplay control means for controlling topographic concave/convex displayof the map image whose display is controlled by the map display controlmeans.

In the information processing apparatus, information processing method,information storage medium and program, a false three-dimensional mapimage wherein a concave/convex geometry is represented on a map image isdisplayed, and position icons displayed in the map image have timeinformation and can be displayed in a time series.

Thus, with the information processing apparatus, information processingmethod, information storage medium and program, thumbnail iconsindicative of image data and the position icons displayed in a timeseries on the three-dimensional map image are displayed in acorresponding relationship. If a certain arbitrary one of the positionicons is selected, then a corresponding one of the thumbnail icons isdisplayed, or if a certain thumbnail icon is selected, then acorresponding one of the position icons is displayed. Consequently, alarge amount of image data can be managed readily by the user and can bedisplayed in a manner superior in design and easy for the user torecognize.

Further, an actual map is displayed as a three-dimensional topographyand memories upon image pickup are represented making use of the timeaxis thereby to make it possible to apply such complicatedrepresentations as to display a three dimensional display at variousangles to an album display. Consequently, the user can not only merelylook at the album display but also enjoy it satisfactorily as itsmemories.

The information processing apparatus, information processing method,information storage medium and program may assume the following forms.

In particular, the information processing apparatus, informationprocessing method, information storage medium and program may furthercomprise thumbnail icon display control means for or a thumbnail icondisplay control step of controlling display of thumbnail iconsindicative of the image data. This allows thumbnail icons to bedisplayed.

The information processing apparatus, information processing method,information storage medium and program may further comprise thumbnailicon data inputting means for or a thumbnail icon data inputting step ofinputting data representative of the thumbnail icons, the map displaycontrol means or step controlling a display region of the map imagebased on the position information corresponding to the datarepresentative of the thumbnail icons inputted by the thumbnail icondata inputting means or step. This makes it possible to display adisplay region centered at a selected position on the screen.

The information processing apparatus, information processing method,information storage medium and program may further comprise positionicon data inputting means for or a position icon data inputting step ofinputting data representative of the position icons, the thumbnail icondisplay control means or step controlling time series display of thethumbnail icons based on the time information corresponding to the datarepresentative of the position icons inputted by the position icon datainputting means or step. This makes it possible to display the thumbnailicons to be displayed in a time series.

The information processing apparatus, information processing method,information storage medium and program may be configured such that theconcave/convex display control means for or step of controlling thetopographic concave/convex display of the map image controls thetopographic concave/convex display based on contour data of a topographyor based on arbitrary illumination direction data and shadow dataassociated with the illumination direction data. This makes it possibleto display the map image three-dimensionally or solidly.

The information processing apparatus, information processing method,information storage medium and program may further comprise positionicon time series display control means for or a position icon timeseries display control step of controlling time series display of theposition icons in the map image based on the time information, andconnection line display control means for or a connection line displaycontrol step of controlling connection line display between a pluralityof ones of the position icons. This makes it possible to displayposition icons in a time series in the map image and connect adjacentones of the position icons with a connection line. Thus, the continuityof the time series can be displayed visually.

The information processing apparatus, information processing method,information storage medium and program may be configured such that themap image whose display is controlled by the map display control meansor step and a thumbnail icon display displayed on the map image by thethumbnail icon display control means or step are moved by at least oneof types of movement including horizontal movement, vertical movement,clockwise or counterclockwise rolling movement, upward or downwardpitching movement and leftward or rightward yawing movement. This makesit possible to display an image in various manners, and therefore, theuser can enjoy, for example, by displaying a point of a memory.

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will become apparent from the following description and theappended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings inwhich like parts or elements denoted by like reference symbols.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a personalcomputer to which the present invention is applied;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a body of the personal computer of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partial enlarged perspective view showing a jog dial andneighboring elements of the personal computer of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a right side elevational view showing a configuration of theright side face of the personal computer of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of an internalconfiguration of the personal computer of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing functions of the personalcomputer of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic view illustrating an example of informationregistered in an image-position information-image pickup time database;

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic view illustrating an example of an imageinformation table;

FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating a registration process for imagedata, position information data and time information data;

FIGS. 10 to 12 are schematic views showing a display screen;

FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating a display process when a positionicon is selected;

FIG. 14 is a flow chart illustrating a display process when a thumbnailicon is selected;

FIG. 15 is a schematic view showing a map display including a displayselection screen; and

FIGS. 16 to 19 are schematic views showing different examples ofdisplay.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring first to FIGS. 1 to 4, there is shown an appearance of anotebook type personal computer to which the present invention isapplied. The notebook type personal computer shown is generally denotedat 1 and includes, as basic components, a body 2, and a display section3 formed as a lid mounted for opening and closing pivotal motion on thebody 2. In FIG. 1, the display section 3 is shown in an open state withrespect to the body 2.

The body 2 has provided on an upper face thereof a keyboard 5 for beingoperated to input various characters and symbols, a touch pad 6 servingas a pointing device for being operated to move a pointer (mousecursor), and a power supply switch 8. Further, the body 2 has a jog dial4, an IEEE 1394 input/output port 101 and so forth provided on a sideface thereof. It is to be noted that a pointing device, for example, ofthe stick type may replace the touch pad 6.

Meanwhile, the display section 3 has an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)unit 7 provided on a front face thereof for displaying an image. Thedisplay section 3 further has, provided at a right upper portionthereof, a power supply lamp PL, a battery lamp BL, and, if necessary, amessage lamp ML and other lamps which may each be in the form of an LED(light emitting diode). Furthermore, the display section 3 has, providedat an upper central portion thereof, a CCD video camera 102, whichincludes a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) unit, and a microphone 104, whilea shutter button 105 of the CCD video camera 102 is provided at a rightupper end portion of the body 2. The CCD video camera 102 is provided ona rotational movement mechanism 103 which supports a lens section of theCCD video camera 102 for rotational motion with respect to the displaysection 3. It is to be noted that the power supply lamp PL, battery lampBL, message lamp ML and so forth may otherwise be provided at a lowerportion of the display section 3.

The jog dial 4 is disposed among keys of the keyboard 5 formed on thebody 2 and attached so as to have a height equal to that of the keys.The jog dial 4 is used such that, when it is rotated in the directionindicated by an arrow mark a in FIG. 3, a predetermined process isexecuted, but when it is bodily moved in the direction indicated byanother arrow mark b, another predetermined process is executed. It isto be noted that the jog dial 4 may otherwise be disposed on the leftside face of the body 2, or disposed on the left or right side face ofthe display section 3, on which the LCD unit 7 is provided, or mayotherwise be disposed in a vertical direction between the “G” key andthe “H” key of the keyboard 5. Or else, the jog dial 4 may be disposedat a central portion of the front face of the touch pad 6 such that itcan be operated with the thumb while the touch pad 6 is operated withthe forefinger, or disposed horizontally along an upper end edge or alower end edge of the touch pad 6, or may otherwise be disposedvertically between the right button and the left button of the touch pad6. Further, the jog dial 4 need not be disposed vertically orhorizontally, but may be disposed in an inclined direction in which itcan be operated with the thumb or a suitable finger. Furthermore, thejog dial 4 may be disposed at any position on a side face of a mouse ofa pointing device at which it can be operated with the thumb.

FIG. 5 shows an example of internal configuration of the personalcomputer of FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 5, a CPU (Central Processing Unit)51 is formed from, for example, a Pentium (trademark) processor of Inteland connected to a host bus 52. Also a north bridge 53 is connected tothe host bus 52. The north bridge 53 is connected also to an AGP(Accelerated Graphics Port) 50 and a PCI bus 56. The north bridge 53 isformed from, for example, the 400BX of Intel and controls the CPU 51, aRAM (Random Access Memory) 54 and other associated elements. Further,the north bridge 53 is connected to a video controller 57 through theAGP 50. The north bridge 53 and a south bridge 58 cooperatively form achip set.

The north bridge 53 is further connected to the RAM 54 and a cachememory 55. The cache memory 55 caches data to be used by the CPU 51.Though not shown, also the CPU 51 has a built-in primary cache memory.

The RAM 54 may be, for example, a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)and stores programs to be executed by the CPU 51 and data necessary foroperation of the CPU 51. More particularly, when startup of the notebooktype personal computer 1 is completed, for example, an electronic mailprogram 54A, an auto pilot program 54B, a job dial state supervisionprogram 54C, a jog dial driver 54D, an operation program (OS) 54E, anavigation program 54F, a capture program 54G and other applicationprograms 54H1 to 54Hn are stored in the RAM 54 as a result of transferof them.

The electronic mail program 54A is used to transmit and receive acommunication text to and from a communication circuit such as atelephone circuit 76 through a modem 75 over a network. The electronicmail program 54A has a terminating mail acquisition function as aparticular function. The terminating mail acquisition function executesa process of confirming whether or not a mail destined for the notebooktype personal computer 1 (user) has terminated in a mail box 79 of amail server 78 provided by an Internet service provider 77 andacquiring, if a terminating mail destined for the notebook type personalcomputer 1 is present, the mail.

The auto pilot program 54B successively starts up and processes aplurality of processes (or programs) set in advance in an order set inadvance.

The OS (Operating System: basic program software) 54E controls basicoperation of the notebook type personal computer 1 and may be any of,for example, the Windows95, Windows98, and Windows2000 (all trademarks)of Microsoft, the Mac OS (trademark) of Apple Computer and the UNIXcompatible OS (Linux) for a personal computer.

The jog dial state supervision program 54C receives a notification fromany of the application programs 54H1 to 54Hn of whether or not it isready for a jog dial, and operates, if the application program is readyfor a jog dial, to display operations which can be executed by anoperation of the jog dial 4 to the user using a user interface functionwhich the application program has. The job dial state supervisionprogram 54C normally waits for an event of the jog dial 4 and has a listfor reception of a notification from the application program. The jogdial driver 54D executes various functions in response to an operationof the jog dial 4.

The video controller 57 is connected to the PCI bus 56 and is furtherconnected to the north bridge 53 through the AGP 50. Thus, the videocontroller 57 controls display of the LCD unit 7 based on data suppliedthereto through the PCI bus 56 or the AGP 50, and sends video data fromthe CCD video camera 102 to the PCI bus 56 or the north bridge 53.

A sound controller 64 is connected to the PCI bus 56 and fetches a soundinput from a microphone 66 or supplies a sound signal to a speaker 65.Also the modem 75 and a card slot interface 109 are connected to the PCIbus 56.

The modem 75 can be connected to a communication network 80, which maybe a wired communication network or a wireless communication networksuch as the Internet or a packet communication network, the mail server78 and so forth through the telephone circuit 76 and the Internetservice provider 77. Further, in order to add an optional function, aninterface card 110 is mounted suitably into a slot 9 connected to thecard slot interface 109 so that data may be communicated with anexternal apparatus. For example, a drive 230 can be connected to theinterface card 110, and data can be communicated with a magnetic disk231, an optical disk 232, a magneto-optical disk 233 or a semiconductormemory 234 inserted in the drive 230.

Also the south bridge 58 is connected to the PCI bus 56. The southbridge 58 may be, for example, the PIIX4E of Intel and controls variousinputs and outputs. In particular, the south bridge 58 includes an IDE(Integrated Drive Electronics) controller/configuration register 59, atimer circuit 60, an IDE interface 61 and a USB interface (UniversalSerial Bus) 106, and controls devices connected to the touch pad 6,devices connected to a USB port 107 and devices connected through anISA/EIO (Industry Standard Architecture/Extended Input Output) bus 63and an embedded controller 68.

For example, if a GPS (Global Positioning System) antenna 108 isconnected to the USB port 107, then radio waves from GPS satellites arereceived by the GPS antenna 108 to detect current position data. The USBinterface 106 sends current position data (latitude data, longitude dataand altitude data) received by the GPS antenna 108 to the CPU 51 throughthe PCI bus 56, north bridge 53 and host bus 52.

The IDE controller/configuration register 59 is formed from two IDEcontrollers including a primary IDE controller and a secondary IDEcontroller, a configuration register, and so forth.

The primary IDE controller is connected to a connector (not shown) by anIDE bus 62, and a hard disk drive (HDD) 67 is connected to theconnector. The secondary IDE controller can be connected to an externalapparatus by some other IDE bus not shown.

The HDD 67 stores thereon an electronic mail program 67A, an auto pilotprogram 67B, a jog dial state supervision program 67C, a jog dial driver67D, an OS (basic program software) 67E, a navigation program 67F, acapture program 67G and a plurality of other application programs 67H1to 67Hn, as well as data and so forth to be used by the programs. Theprograms 67A to 67Hn stored on the HDD 67 are successively transferredto and stored into the RAM 54 in the startup (boot-up) process. Theapplication program 67H1 has image management software installedtherein.

Further, the embedded controller 68 is connected to the ISA/EIO bus 63.The embedded controller 68 is an I/O controller formed from amicrocontroller. In particular, the embedded controller 68 is formedfrom an I/O interface 69, a ROM 70, a RAM 71 and a CPU 72 connected toone another.

The ROM 70 has stored therein in advance, for example, an IEEE 1394 I/F(interface) program 70A, an LED supervision program 70B, a touch padinput supervision program 70C, a key input supervision program 70D, awakeup program 70E, and a jog dial state supervision program 70F.

The IEEE 1394 I/F program 70A is used to input and output dataconforming to the IEEE 1394 which are transmitted and received throughthe IEEE 1394 input/output port 101. The LED supervision program 70B isused to control lighting of the power supply lamp PL, the battery lampBL, the message lamp ML when necessary and other lamps each in the formof an LED. The touch pad input supervision program 70C is used tosupervise inputting by the user using the touch pad 6. The key inputsupervision program 70D is used to supervise inputting by the user usingthe keyboard 5 or other key switches. The wakeup program 70E managesvarious chip power supplies for checking based on current time datasupplied thereto from the timer circuit 60 in the south bridge 58whether or not a preset time comes and starting up a predeterminedprocess (or program) when the preset time comes. The key inputsupervision program 70D normally supervises rotation of a rotary encodersection of or depression of the jog dial 4.

The ROM 70 has a BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) 70G written therein.The BIOS is a basic input/output system and is a software program forcontrolling inputting and outputting of data between the OS or anapplication program and a peripheral equipment (the display unit,keyboard, HDD or the like).

The RAM 71 has registers for LED control, a touch pad input status, akey input status and set times, an I/O register for supervision of thejog dial state, an IEEE 1394 I/F register and so forth as registers 71Ato 71F. For example, the LED control register controls lighting of themessage lamp ML for indicating an instantaneous startup state of anelectronic mail when the jog dial 4 is depressed. The key input statusregister stores an operation key flag when the jog dial 4 is depressed.The set time register can arbitrarily set a certain time therein.

The embedded controller 68 is connected to the jog dial 4, touch pad 6,keyboard 5, IEEE 1394 input/output port 101 and shutter button 105through the connector not shown so that, if the user performs anoperation using the jog dial 4, touch pad 6, keyboard 5 or shutterbutton 105, then it receives a signal corresponding to the operationfrom the jog dial 4, touch pad 6, keyboard 5 or shutter button 105 andoutputs the signal to the ISA/EIO bus 63. Further, the embeddedcontroller 68 performs transmission/reception of data to/from anexternal apparatus through the IEEE 1394 input/output port 101.Furthermore, the power supply lamp PL, the battery lamp BL, a powersupply control circuit 73 and the lamps each in the form of an LED areconnected to the embedded controller 68.

The power supply control circuit 73 is connected to a built-in battery74 or an AC power supply, and supplies necessary power to the individualblocks and controls charging of the built-in battery 74 and secondarybatteries of peripheral equipments. Further, the embedded controller 68supervises the power supply switch 8 which is operated to switch on oroff power supply.

The embedded controller 68 can normally execute the programs from theIEEE 1394 I/F program 70A to the BIOS 70G with its internal power supplyeven when the power supply switch 8 is off. In particular, the IEEE 1394I/F program 70A to the BIOS 70G are normally operating even when nowindow is open on the LCD unit 7 of the display section 3. Accordingly,even if the power supply switch 8 is off and the OS 54E is not operatingon the CPU 51, the embedded controller 68 normally executes the jog dialstate supervision program 70F and provides a programmable power key(PPK) function even if a key for exclusive use is not provided for thenotebook type personal computer 1. Thus, even if the personal computer 1is, for example, in a power saving mode or in a power supply off state,the user can start up favorable software or a favorable script file onlyby depressing the jog dial 4.

The method of inputting an instruction for starting up applicationsoftware when the power supply switch 8 is in an on state may be, forexample, to display an icon representative of startup of photographimage management software on the LCD unit 7 in advance to allowselection of the photograph image management software using the keyboard5 or the touch pad 6 or to provide a startup button on the keyboard 5.

Now, functioning blocks when the CPU 51 of the personal computer 1 readsin and starts up the photograph image management software.

FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram illustrating functions of thepersonal computer 1 of FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 6, a map window displayprocessing section 111 and a film window display processing section 112control display of a map window and a film window, respectively, whichare hereinafter described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12.

An image-position information-image pickup time database 114 outputs, inorder that, when image data picked up are inputted, a message forassistance to an operation of the user may be displayed on the LCD unit7, text data representative of the corresponding message. A datainput/output control section 115 controls inputting/outputtingprocessing of the image-position information-image pickup time database114.

Position icons 181 to 184 are displayed on a map in a map window 152 andconnected to each other with a route line as seen in FIG. 10.

If selection 116 of a position icon is performed as seen in FIGS. 6 and10, then a position icon selection interface 123 process is performed.Here, a mouse cursor 167 on the screen is moved by a mouse operation,and a desired one of the position icons 181 to 184 (for example, theposition icon 181) is determined by double clicking by a mouseoperation.

Program data of the position icon selection interface 123 stored inadvance on the HDD of the personal computer 1 and data of the positionicon 181 selected and determined in such a manner as described above arecalled by the CPU 51 (refer to FIG. 5) and written into the RAM 54. Thedata are processed by the CPU 51. Then, image pickup time data allocatedto the position icon is called from the image-position information-imagepickup time database 114 by the CPU 51.

The called image pickup time data corresponding to the position icon 181and program data of an icon/image pickup time conversion module storedin advance on the HDD of the notebook type personal computer 1 arecalled and written into the RAM 54. The data are processed by the CPU 51to determine a thumbnail icon 163.

Data of the determined thumbnail icon 163 and program data of athumbnail icon plotting module 125 of the film window display processingsection 112 are called and written into the RAM 54. The data areprocessed by the CPU 51 so that the thus determined thumbnail icon 163is emphatically plotted at the top in the film window.

Contents of an image of image data corresponding to the thumbnail icon163 plotted here are processed so that the image data may be visuallyconfirmed simply and readily. Or, where the corresponding image data arenot registered as yet, for example, a message of “No Picture” isdisplayed.

Further, the thumbnail icon 163 which is the determined thumbnail iconis displayed emphatically, for example, by highlight display so that itcan be visually recognized readily from among a plurality of iconsdisplayed in a film window 151. Then, the thumbnail icon 163 isoutputted 117.

The thumbnail icon 163 and so forth are displayed in the film window151. The thumbnail icon 163 and so forth are displayed in simplifiedimages. Or, if corresponding image data is not registered as yet, thenthe icon is displayed, for example, as “No Picture”.

If selection 118 processing of a thumbnail icon is performed, thenprocessing of a thumbnail icon input interface 126 is performed. Forexample, the mouse cursor 167 on the screen is moved by a mouseoperation, and, for example, the thumbnail icon 163 in the film window151 is selected by mouse clicking. Then, the desired thumbnail icon 163is determined by double clicking by a mouse operation.

Program data of the thumbnail icon input interface 126 stored in advanceon the HDD of the notebook type personal computer 1 and data of thethumbnail icon 163 selected and determined in such a manner as describedabove are read out and written into the RAM 54. The data are processedby the CPU 51 so that position information data allocated to thethumbnail icon 163 is called from the image-position information-imagepickup time database 114.

The called position information data corresponding to the calledthumbnail icon 163 and program data of a image/latitude andlongitude/image pickup time conversion module 127 stored in advance onthe HDD of the notebook type personal computer 1 are called and writteninto the RAM 54. The data are processed by the CPU 51 to determine dataof the position icon 181.

The determined position icon 181 data and program data of a map imageplotting module 122 of the map window display processing section 111 arecalled and written into the RAM 54. The data are processed by the CPU 51so that a map image wherein the determined position icon 181 is disposedat the central position of a display screen 141 is plotted.

From a map image-topography-lighting effect database 113, map imagedata, topography data, effect tool data and program data of the mapimage plotting module 122 are called and written into the RAM 54. Thedata are processed by the CPU 51 so that a three-dimensional map imageof a higher design performance wherein the position icon 181 is disposedat the central position of the map is plotted.

The position icon 181 data and program data of a position icon/routeline plotting module 121 are called and written into the RAM 54. Thedata are processed by the CPU 51. Consequently, the position icon 181 isdisplayed on the displayed map.

Further, although position icons are displayed on the map based on thelatitude and longitude information, also arrayed display based on pickuptime information is performed. Those position icons which are adjacentto each other in a time series order are connected to each other by aroute line so that the time series order of them may be confirmedreadily.

Further, in order that the determined position icon 181 from among theplurality of position icons displayed in the map window 152 may bevisually confirmed readily, the position icon 181 is displayedemphatically such as in highlight display. As described above, a mapimage, position icons and a route line are outputted 119 to the screen.

Processing of the data input/output control section 115 is described. Inthe display screen 141 shown in FIG. 10, a register mode is selectedfrom mode selection buttons 171. In the register mode, image data pickedup by some other image pickup apparatus is inputted to theimage-position information-image pickup time database 114 under thecontrol of the data input/output control section 115. Further, text datarepresentative of a corresponding message is outputted from theimage-position information-image pickup time database 114, and suchcontrol processing that a message output 130 which may be an assistanceto a user operation is outputted through the data input/output controlsection 115 is performed.

Thus, registration processing of picked up image data and positioninformation data and image pickup time data corresponding to the imagedata is described. First, the photograph image management software isstarted up, and the GPS antenna 108 is connected to the USB port 107.Radio waves from GPS satellites are received by the GPS antenna 108.When image pickup is performed using the personal computer 1, pickupposition information data and pickup time data of the image data areinputted to the personal computer 1.

At this time, program data regarding the data input/output controlsection 115, the image data, the position information data and the imagepickup time data are read in and written into the RAM 54. The data areprocessed by the CPU 51. The image data, position information data andimage pickup time data processed in this manner are registered into theimage-position information-image pickup time database 114.

Further, registration of image data obtained using an image data pickupapparatus such as a digital camera and position and time informationdata stored in a GPS apparatus which can recognize and store positionand time information into the personal computer 1 is described.

Registration of image data into the personal computer 1 is described.First, an image data pickup apparatus is connected to the personalcomputer 1 through the USB port 107. Then, the photograph imagemanagement software is started up, and image data is written into theRAM 54 through the USB port 107, the south bridge 58 and the PCI bus 56.

Thereafter, the image data stored in the RAM 54 is read out andprocessed by the CPU 51 together with the program data regarding thedata input/output control section 115. Then, a thumbnail ID is deliveredto the image data by the arithmetic operation processing of the CPU 51,and the image data and the corresponding thumbnail ID are registeredinto the image-position information-image pickup time database 114.

Registration of position information data and image pickup time datainto the personal computer 1 is described. First, the GPS apparatus isconnected to the personal computer 1 through the USB port 107. Then, thephotograph image management software is started up, and positioninformation data and image pickup time data are written into the RAM 54through the USB port 107, south bridge 58 and PCI bus 56. Thereafter,the position information data and the image pickup time data stored inthe RAM 54 are read out and processed by the CPU 51 together withprogram data of the data input/output control section 115. The positioninformation data and the image pickup time data processed in this mannerare registered into the image-position information-image pickup timedatabase 114.

Now, inputting (indicated by a broken line arrow mark in FIG. 6) ofposition information data and image pickup time data corresponding to athumbnail icon of a predetermined image displayed in a reduced scale asa result of selection of the thumbnail icon is described. Selectedthumbnail icon data and program data regarding the thumbnail icon inputinterface 126 are read in and written into the RAM 54. The data areprocessed by the CPU 51. The CPU 51 accesses the image-positioninformation-image pickup time database 114 to search for positioninformation data and image pickup time data corresponding to theselected thumbnail icon.

Here, if the position information data and the image pickup time datacorresponding to the thumbnail icon are not registered as yet, then, forexample, message data of “Please input position information and imagepickup time information.” is called from the image-positioninformation-image pickup time database 114 and written into the RAM 54.Program data regarding the thumbnail icon plotting module 125corresponding to the called message data is read in. The program data isused to display the thumbnail icon in emphatic display such as, forexample, in highlight display and the operation message “Please inputposition information and pickup time.” is displayed.

Then, program data regarding the data input/output control section 115and the thumbnail icon data are read and written into the RAM 54. Thedata are processed by the CPU 51 so that the position information dataand the image pickup time data corresponding to the thumbnail icon areregistered into the personal computer 1 in the register mode. In themanner, the image data, position information data and image pickup timedata are registered and updated into the image-positioninformation-image pickup time database 114.

Further, a position icon on the map window 152 is selected and thendragged and dropped on the map to rewrite the position information(corresponding to a broken line arrow mark portion in FIG. 6).

The selected, dragged and dropped position icon data (data before andafter the movement) and program data regarding the position iconselection interface 123 are read in and written into the RAM 54. Thedata are processed by the CPU 51. Then, the CPU 51 searches theimage-position information-image pickup time database 114 to specify thethumbnail ID of the selected position icon data. Further, registrationrewriting of the position information data and the image pickup timedata corresponding to the specified thumbnail ID is performed.

When the thumbnail ID corresponding to the selected position icon isspecified, if the thumbnail ID is not registered as yet, then messagedata of, for example, “A thumbnail ID is delivered.” is called from theimage-position information-image pickup time database 114. Program dataregarding the position icon/route line plotting module 121 correspondingto the called message data is processed by the CPU 51. Consequently,emphatic display such as highlight display of the selected position iconis performed, and further, the operation message is displayed.

As described above, program data regarding the data input/output controlsection 115 and position icon data are read in and written into the RAM54 and the data are processed by the CPU 51. Consequently, an imagecorresponding to the position icon is registered in the register modeand a thumbnail ID is delivered.

To make a thumbnail icon, whose image data is registered already and towhich a corresponding thumbnail ID is delivered, correspond to aposition icon is described. First, a desired thumbnail icon is specifiedby means of an upward scroll button 161 or a downward scroll button 162in the film window 151 (refer to FIGS. 11 and 12). The specified desiredthumbnail icon is selected by mouse clicking and dragged and dropped toa position icon to be made correspond thereto. The image data and thethumbnail ID corresponding to the position icon are registered in thismanner. Then, the image data, position information data and image pickuptime data are registered and updated into the image-positioninformation-image pickup time database 114.

In the image-position information-image pickup time database 114, imagedata 134 picked up by the CCD video camera 102, image data 132corresponding to position icons to be displayed on a map window, textdata 133 to be used to display messages which may be assistance to anoperation of the user and such an image information table 135 as shownin FIG. 8 are registered as seen in FIG. 7.

In the image information table 135 illustrated in FIG. 8, a thumbnail ID136 which is an ID unique to each image data, a latitude-longitude 137which is information representative of a pickup place and an imagepickup date-time 138 are registered.

For example, when a position icon is selected as described above, aninquiry is issued to the image information table 135 using a latitudeand a longitude of the position icon data as a key through the positionicon selection interface 123. In response to the inquiry, a thumbnail IDor an image pickup date and an image pickup time corresponding to theposition icon are searched for.

Further, when a predetermined icon is selected, data of the icon is usedto search for a thumbnail ID and image data based on the thumbnail IDthrough the thumbnail icon input interface 126. It is to be noted thatthe image information table 135 may additionally register necessaryinformation such as the name, a comment and so forth of each image data.

Subsequently, a processing block configuration of the film windowdisplay processing section 112 and the map window display processingsection 111 is described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12 which show adisplay screen.

The display screen 141 shown in FIGS. 10 to 12 includes the modeselection buttons 171. The mode selection buttons 171 include a“register mode” button and a “selection mode” button. Further, thedisplay screen 141 includes the film window 151 and the map window 152.

First, an initial screen of the display screen 141 in a state whereinnone of image data, position information data and time information datais registered is described. In order to indicate that the icon in thefilm window 151 is an icon 164 which represents none of image data,position information data and time information data is registered, apaper icon is displayed and also a text of, for example, “No picture” isdisplayed. Meanwhile, no map image is displayed in the map window 152,but a dummy image prepared in advance such as, for example, a screen ofa night sky or a screen of a blue sky is displayed in the map window152. In the initial screen, only the register mode can be selected.

Now, selection of the “display mode” in mode selection is described. Ifthe display mode is selected, then a predetermined number of thumbnailicons are displayed in a time series in the film window 151. If theupward scroll button 161 or the downward scroll button 162 on the filmwindow 151 is clicked with the mouse cursor 167 to scroll and displaypredetermined thumbnail icons and then a desired thumbnail icon isclicked, then the desired thumbnail icon is selected.

It is to be noted that the display of thumbnail icons can be scrolled bydragging a thumbnail icon upwardly or downwardly in the film window 151.If a thumbnail icon is doubled clicked, then a corresponding photographimage is displayed in an enlarged scale.

In the map window 152, a map image on which the selected position icon(or a position icon corresponding to the selected thumbnail icon) iscentered is displayed three-dimensionally. The displayed map image isbased on map data including latitudes and longitudes and topography dataformed from contour convex/concave data. It is to be noted that, for anicon for which “No picture” is to be displayed, a position icon may notbe displayed.

In the map window 152, a predetermined number of position icons aredisplayed in a time series in the air portion of the map image. Adjacentones of the position icons are connected by a route line such that theroute line extends through the position icons.

Further, a two-dimensional text display column is displayed on the mapimage. As contents of the two-dimensional text display, a viewpointposition of the display screen (for example, a viewpoint position of acoordinate system whose base point is set to a south corner of the mapdata), detailed information (detailed information of an emphaticallydisplayed icon: the title, the date, a comment and so forth), systeminformation (a plotting speed of the map and so forth) and so forth aredisplayed. The two-dimensional text is displayed in a text display formhaving a scroll bar.

In the present embodiment, in the initial screen on which none ofthumbnail icons or position icons are selected in the “display mode”,the thumbnail icons in the film window are displayed in a time series inan ascending order or a descending order (arbitrarily selected by theuser) based on registered time information corresponding to thethumbnail icons.

Further, a thumbnail icon whose position information or time informationis not registered as yet (only whose image data is registered) isdisplayed preferentially on the top side. Further, thumbnail icons whoseposition information or time information is not registered as yet arearranged in an order same as an order in which their image data areregistered.

Here, processing when the thumbnail icon 163 is selected is described.If a selection process 118 is performed, then a signal representative ofthe selected thumbnail icon is inputted to the thumbnail icon inputinterface 126. The thumbnail icon input interface 126 determines athumbnail ID corresponding to the selected thumbnail icon based on thesignal inputted thereto. Data of the determined thumbnail ID isoutputted to the image/latitude and longitude/image pickup timeconversion module 127 (refer to FIG. 6).

The image/latitude and longitude/image pickup time conversion module 127reads out latitude and longitude information corresponding to theselected thumbnail icon from the image-position information-image pickuptime database 114. In other words, latitude and longitude informationcorresponding to the selected thumbnail icon is read out from theimage-position information-image pickup time database 114 based on thethumbnail ID inputted, and the latitude and longitude information thusread out is outputted to the map image plotting module 122 of the mapwindow display processing section 111.

The map image plotting module 122 plots a map image based on thelatitude and longitude information inputted to the image/latitude andlongitude/image pickup time conversion module 127 such that the positionof the latitude and the longitude may be positioned at the center of thedisplay image. At this time, map image data, topography data and aneffect tool are read out from the map image-topography-lighting effectdatabase 113 in which map data based on which a map is to be plotted isstored, and the read out data are outputted to the map image plottingmodule 122 so that a map image is plotted.

On the display screen 141, a three-dimensional map image is displayedbased on a rough concave/convex topography analogized from thetopography data (contour concave/convex data) so that the map image maybe observed three-dimensionally. Further, a lighting effect is appliedto the map image so that the three-dimensional representation of thetopography data may be performed more effectively. The sun is displayedat the start point of lighting, and shadows are displayed on the mapimage. Consequently, the concave/convex topography is displayed moresolidly. At this time, whether the sun is present or not and thelocation of the sun are set arbitrarily.

The position icon/route line plotting module 121 reads in image datacorresponding to the position icon from the image-positioninformation-image pickup time database 114 and simultaneously receiveslatitude and longitude information corresponding to the selectedthumbnail icon from the image/latitude and longitude/image pickup timeconversion module 127 through the map image plotting module 122 (or mayreceive the information directly from the image/latitude andlongitude/image pickup time conversion module 127). Then, the positionicon/route line plotting module 121 outputs the image data to theposition icon represented by the latitude and longitude information.

Further, the image pickup time corresponding to the selected thumbnailicon is read out. Position icons are arrayed and displayed in a timeseries order in the direction of one axis other than the two axes usedfor the latitude and longitude display of the position icons displayedin the time series, adjacent position icons are connected to each otherin such a display manner that a route line extends through them, and theroute line is outputted together with the position icons. Position iconsand route lines interconnecting them are displayed at an upper portion(in the air) of the map image.

In this manner, the position icons are not only displayedtwo-dimensionally in accordance with the latitude and the longitude butalso displayed in a time series in the direction of the remaining oneaxis. It is to be noted that, although a position icon display may be adisplay of a reduced scale of image data, it may otherwise be asimplified display associated with the image data. For example, if aprofile portion of image data (a profile of a human being, a profile ofa landscape such as a mountain, a tree or a river, or the like) isdisplayed, then even if it is a considerably small display, the humanbeing, landscape or the like can be discriminated.

Now, processing when one of position icons is selected in the displaymode is described. If a selection process 116 is performed, then asignal representative of the selected position is inputted to theposition icon selection interface 123. The position icon selectioninterface 123 determines an image pickup place (latitude and longitude)corresponding to the selected position icon based on the signal inputtedthereto. Then, the image pickup place (latitude and longitude) isinputted to an icon/image pickup time conversion module 124. Theicon/image pickup time conversion module 124 reads out image pickup timeinformation corresponding to the selected position icon from theimage-position information-image pickup time database 114 based on theimage pickup place (latitude and longitude) inputted thereto. The imagepickup time information is inputted to the thumbnail icon plottingmodule 125 of the film window display processing section 112.

The thumbnail icon plotting module 125 reads out a predetermined numberof image data picked up around the time information inputted theretofrom the icon/image pickup time conversion module 124 from theimage-position information-image pickup time database 114 and displaysthumbnail icons of the image data in a time series. Further, an imagecorresponding to the selected position icon is displayed at the positionof the top (on the display screen 141, the highest position among thedisplayed thumbnail icons) of the displayed portion of the film window151.

Now, processing when the “register mode” is selected in mode selectionis described. In the initial state wherein none of image data, positioninformation data and time information data is registered, a paper icon,for example, an icon which includes a text display of “No picture”, isselected. Then, image data is registered for the selected icon. Uponsuch image registration, a thumbnail ID is delivered to the icon.

Upon the registration of image data, for example, an image picked upusing the CCD camera built in the personal computer 1 is registered. Onthe other hand, images picked up using some other image pickup apparatussuch as a digital camera which is not built in the personal computer 1are stored into the image pickup apparatus or a storage medium. Also theimage data are inputted to the personal computer 1 and registered intothe image-position information-image pickup time database 114.

Now, processing where image data corresponding to a thumbnail icon isregistered is described. One of thumbnail icons displayed in the filmwindow 151 is selected. Based on a signal representative of the selectedthumbnail icon, a thumbnail ID is inputted to the image-positioninformation-image pickup time database 114 through the thumbnail iconinput interface 126.

Then, if position information is not registered as yet for image datacorresponding to the selected thumbnail icon (that is, if, uponphotographing, current position data is not acquired through receptionof signals from GPS satellites using the GPS antenna 108), then amessage for urging the user to input an image pickup position is readout from the image-position information-image pickup time database 114,and a message output process 130 is performed through the datainput/output control section 115.

If the GPS antenna 108 is connected to the USB port 107 in a statewherein the photograph image management software is operating, thenradio waves from GPS satellites are received by the GPS antenna 108 (theconnection of the GPS antenna 108 may be performed otherwise before thephotograph image management software is started up). Thus, when aphotograph (image) is picked up, image pickup position information isregistered into the image-position information-image pickup timedatabase 114. In short, position information received by the GPS antenna108 is stored into the RAM 54 through the USB port 107, south bridge 58and PCI bus 56, and after a photograph is taken, the photograph imagemanagement software is started up and the position information stored inthe RAM 54 is read out. The position information is registered into theimage-position information-image pickup time database 114 in thismanner.

Further, if position information is not registered for the selected icon(irrespective of whether or not image data is registered for the icon),for example, a message “Please register the latitude and the longitude.”is displayed in a message display portion 172 in the map window 152 asseen in FIG. 10.

In order to register position information data, the user will drag anddrop an icon to a corresponding position icon or an arbitrary positionon the map. The position information data can be registered into theimage-position information-image pickup time database 114 thereby.

Here, if position information and time information are registered whileimage data are not registered as yet at the position of an icon, thenonly a text of, for example, “No picture” is displayed at the icon 165as seen in FIG. 10, and simultaneously, a camera mark is displayed.Here, depending upon whether a paper icon is displayed or not, it can bediscriminated readily whether position information data or timeinformation data is not registered for the icon 164.

If the position icon 116 is selected, then an image pickup position ofimage data corresponding to the icon is outputted from theimage-position information-image pickup time database 114 to theposition icon/route line plotting module 121 through the position iconselection interface 123 under the control of the data input/outputcontrol section 115. Then, the position icon/route line plotting module121 outputs image data with which a position icon is to be displayed ata predetermined position on the map.

The inputting of an image pickup position is performed such that, forexample, electronic map software is loaded into the application 54Hn(refer to FIG. 5) and then the user inputs an address of the imagepickup position on the electronic map software. Otherwise, theelectronic map software may be started up on the background to searchfor position data from an address and input the position data to apredetermined position of an image information table describedhereinabove with reference to FIG. 8.

Further, the position of a position icon on a map may be changed bydrag-and-drop by a mouse operation. When a position icon is moved,change data of the position data may be inputted to and registered intothe image-position information-image pickup time database 114 throughthe position icon selection interface 123 and latitude and longitudeinformation of a corresponding thumbnail ID may be rewritten.

Any of a large number of registered thumbnail icons or correspondingposition icons can be registered particularly as a memory point. Bythis, the position icon 181 which is a memory point is displayedemphatically or displayed in a special manner, for example, as seen inFIG. 12. In the display example of FIG. 12, a memory point is shown as astar-like display.

Now, processing of image data and position information and timeinformation corresponding to the image data is described with referenceto a flow chart of a registration process of image data, positioninformation data and time information data illustrated in FIG. 9.

First, if an instruction to start up the photograph image managementsoftware is inputted, then the CPU 51 loads the photograph imagemanagement software stored on the HDD 67 into the RAM 54 and executesit. The instruction to be started up is inputted, for example, by theuser selecting an icon representative of startup of the photograph imagemanagement software displayed on the LCD unit 7 using the keyboard 5 orthe touch pad 6.

After the photograph image management software is started up, the filmwindow 151 and the map window 152 shown in FIGS. 10 to 12 are displayedon the LCD unit 7 through the south bridge 58, AGP 50 and videocontroller 57 in step S1. On the display screen, the mode selectionbuttons 171 are displayed to allow selection of one of the modes. Inthis instance, in the initial stage wherein no registration data ispresent, only the register mode can be selected.

In step S2, it is discriminated which one of the mode selection buttonsin the film window 151 and the map window 152 displayed in step S1 isselected. Here in step S2, it is illustrated that it is discriminatedwhether or not the register mode is selected.

In particular, the CPU 51 discriminates based on a signal inputtedthereto through the embedded controller 68, ISA/EIO bus 63, south bridge58, PCI bus 56, north bridge 53 and host bus 52 whether or not theregister mode of the mode selection buttons 171 shown in FIGS. 10 to 12is selected.

If it is not discriminated in step S2 that the register mode is selected(step S2: NO), then the processing advances to a process A (display modeprocess: refer to FIG. 13).

On the other hand, if it is discriminated in step S2 that the registermode is selected (step S2: YES), then icons are displayed on the filmwindow 151. Then, one of the icons is selected.

Of a predetermined number of icons displayed on the film window 151,those whose position information data or time information data is notregistered are preferentially displayed at the top in the film window151. Such icons are displayed as paper icons. If an icon of a cameramark display has a display of, for example, “No picture” thereon, thenthis represents that image data is not registered as yet but positioninformation data and time information data are registered already forthe icon. Here, only in the initial state wherein no data is registeredas yet, a paper icon and “No picture” are displayed.

In step S3, the thumbnail icon input interface 126 discriminates basedon a signal of icon data inputted thereto through the PCI bus 56 whetheror not image data corresponding to the icon selected by the user usingthe touch pad 6 or the keyboard 5 is registered already.

If it is discriminated in step S3 that image data corresponding to theselected icon is not registered as yet (step S3: NO), then in step S4,image data to which the icon should correspond (that is, image data fora thumbnail icon) is fetched.

In particular, in step S4, the CPU 51 fetches image data picked up bythe CCD video camera 102 or the like onto the HDD 67 through the videocontroller 57, PCI bus 56, south bridge 58 and IDE bus 62. If the GPSantenna 108 is connected to the USB port 107 when image data is pickedup, then radio waves from GPS satellites are received by the GPS antenna108, and current position data is inputted simultaneously with the imagedata.

Further, since the USB interface 106 outputs the current position data(latitude data, longitude data and altitude data) received through theGPS antenna 108 and the USB port 107 from the GPS satellites through thePCI bus 56, north bridge 53 and host bus 52, also the current positiondata can be registered onto the HDD 67 together with the image data.

Further, in order to input an image picked up by an image pickupapparatus other than the CCD video camera 102 or an image where imagedata is provided already as a file to the notebook type personalcomputer 1, the image pickup apparatus and the notebook type personalcomputer 1 may be connected to each other so that image data may betaken into the notebook type personal computer 1, or the image datapresent as the file may be taken into the notebook type personalcomputer 1, in step S4.

To the icon whose image data is taken in in step S4, a thumbnail ID isdelivered to make the icon a thumbnail icon in step S5. Here, thedelivery of a thumbnail ID is performed automatically. If a user ID isdelivered newly, then a message representing delivery of a user ID suchas “A user ID is delivered.” may be presented to the user. Further,where position information data and time information data are registeredin connection with a thumbnail icon already, the thumbnail icon has athumbnail ID delivered thereto already.

Further, in step S5, the image data and the thumbnail ID correspondingto the thumbnail icon are stored into the image-positioninformation-image pickup time database 114.

Then in step S6, the information data in the image-positioninformation-image pickup time database 114 are searched using thethumbnail ID as a key to discriminate whether or not there are positioninformation data and time information data corresponding to thethumbnail icon having the image data.

Similarly, if a thumbnail icon whose image data is registered isselected in step S3 described above (step S3: YES), then the processingadvances to step S6, in which it is discriminated whether or not thereare position information data and time information data corresponding tothe thumbnail icon having the image data.

If it is discriminated in step S6 that position information data andtime information data corresponding to the thumbnail icon are notregistered (step S6: NO), then in order to register position informationdata and time information data to correspond to the thumbnail icon,position information data and time information data are fetched into thenotebook type personal computer 1 in step S7.

Here, if registration of several position information data and timeinformation data is completed for the position icon, then a map image isdisplayed in the map window.

In this instance, in order that position information data and timeinformation data may be registered, the data input/output controlsection 115 reads out the display message of “please register positioninformation and time information.” from the image-positioninformation-image pickup time database 114. The message data isoutputted to the LCD unit 7 through the north bridge 53, AGP 50 andvideo controller 57 so that the message is displayed on the messagedisplay portion 172 as seen in FIG. 10. Further as seen in FIG. 10, thethumbnail icon 163 selected by the user is displayed in highlightdisplay.

If the user refers to the display message and drags the thumbnail icon163 selected by the mouse cursor 167 and then moves and drops thethumbnail icon 163 to and at a desired position or a position icon onthe map window 152, then a signal representative of the drop position isinputted to the position icon selection interface 123.

Position information data and time information data of the image pickupplace are determined from the data inputted to the position iconselection interface 123 in this manner. The position information dataand the time information data corresponding to the selected thumbnailicon 163 are registered into the image-position information-image pickuptime database 114.

It is to be noted that, as the reading in of position information andtime information, the image pickup date and time may otherwise be readonto the HDD 67 from the timer circuit 60 through the IDE bus 62 in stepS7.

Where position information and time information have been registered bysome other GPS apparatus, the GPS apparatus may be connected so that theposition information data and the time information data may be fetchedfrom the GPS apparatus.

In this manner, in step S7, position information and time informationcorresponding to the thumbnail icon are fetched and stored into theimage-position information-image pickup time database 114.

Then in step S8, a position icon and a map image based on the positioninformation data and the time information data are displayed in the mapwindow, and a map image centered at the latitude and the longitudecorresponding to the selected thumbnail icon is displayed and theposition icon and a route line are displayed. In the film window, theicons are displayed such that the selected thumbnail icon 163 may be atthe top of the display array.

Further, position icons are displayed in the air portion in the mapimage based on position information. Of the position icons displayed ina time series, those position icons which are adjacent each other areconnected by a displayed route line.

In step S8, image data is read out from the image-positioninformation-image pickup time database 114, and image data for athumbnail icon is produced by and outputted form the thumbnail iconplotting module 125 while map image data is read out from the mapimage-topography-lighting effect database 113.

The map image plotting module 122 produces map image data and outputs aposition icon through the position icon/route line plotting module 121.The image data of the thumbnail icon and the map image data as well asthe position icon are supplied through the north bridge 53, AGP 50 andvideo controller 57 to and displayed on the LCD unit 7.

It is to be noted that it is also possible to connect the position icons181 to 184 displayed on the map window 152 with a connection line suchthat, for example, a moving means of the user (for example, walking, abicycle, a car, a bus, an electric car, a ship, an airplane or the line)upon picking up of an image from a position indicated by a certainposition icon to another position indicated by a next position icon maybe displayed by a displaying method or manner (for example, the design,color, thickness, pattern or the like of the line) which is differentdepending upon the moving means so that the relationship between thepicked up image data may be represented more particularly.

For example, if photograph data picked up during a sightseeing tour arerecorded together with moving means, then the photographs can bearranged in association with the sightseeing course in the tour. Also itis possible to search for an image pickup time from the image-positioninformation-image pickup time database 114 using the latitude and thelongitude of a position icon as a search key, calculate an averagemoving time from the distance and the image pickup times represented bytwo position icons and display the most suitable moving means bydefault.

Then in step S9, it is discriminated whether or not an instruction toend the register mode is issued by the user. If the register mode is tobe continued (step S9: NO), then the processing returns to step S2 sothat the register mode can be continued.

On the other hand, if it is discriminated in step S6 that positioninformation data and time information data corresponding to thethumbnail icon are present (step S6: YES), then the data input/outputcontrol section 115 fetches a message of “It is registered already.”from the image-position information-image pickup time database 114 instep S10. The display message is outputted to the LCD unit 7 through thenorth bridge 53, AGP 50 and video controller 57.

Then in step S9, the CPU 51 discriminates whether or not an instructionto end the register mode is issued. If it is discriminated that theregister mode should be ended, that is, if an operation to end theregister mode is performed by the user (step S9: YES), then it isdiscriminated in next step S11 whether or not an instruction to end thephotograph image management software is issued.

If it is discriminated in step S11 that an instruction to end thephotograph image management software is not issued (step S11: NO), thenthe processing returns to step S1. Here, in step S1, the display screenincluding the film window and the map window is restored, and theregister mode or the display mode is selected by the mode selectionbuttons 171. Thus, the user can change the mode from the register modeto the display mode by selecting the display mode.

On the other hand, if it is discriminated in step S11 that aninstruction to end the photograph image management software is issued(step S11: YES), then the processing is ended.

Now, a processing flow of a process A (the display mode) when thedisplay mode is selected by the user (step S2: NO) on the film window151 and the map window 152 displayed in step S1 is described withreference to FIG. 13.

It is discriminated in step S30 whether or not the instruction inputtedby selective operation of the mode selection buttons 171 in the filmwindow 151 and the map window 152 displayed in step S1 is the displaymode.

In particular, the CPU 51 discriminates based on a signal inputtedthereto through the embedded controller 68, ISA/EIO bus 63, south bridge58, PCI bus 56, north bridge 53 and host bus 52 whether or not thebutton representative of the display mode from between the modeselection buttons 171 shown in FIGS. 10 to 12 is selected by the user toselect the display mode.

If it is discriminated in step S30 that the instruction is not thedisplay mode (step S30: NO), then the processing returns to step S2 (theregister mode). On the other hand, if it is discriminated that theinstruction is the display mode (step S30: YES), then it isdiscriminated whether or not one of thumbnail icons in the film window151 and position icons in the map window 152 is selected by the user.

In particular, in step S31, the position icon selection interface 123discriminates based on an input signal inputted thereto through theembedded controller 68, ISA/EIO bus 63, south bridge 58, PCI bus 56 andnorth bridge 53 by the user using the keyboard 5 or the touch pad 6whether or not one of the position icons is selected.

If it is discriminated in step S31 that no position icon is selected(step S31: NO), then the processing advances to another process B(process upon selection of a thumbnail icon) illustrated in FIG. 14.

On the other hand, if it is discriminated in step S31 that a positionicon is selected (step S31: YES), then the latitude and the longitudecorresponding to the selected position icon are called from theimage-position information-image pickup time database 114 and extractedin step S32. The position icon selection interface 123 searches for thelatitude and the longitude corresponding to the position icon designatedby the user from the image-position information-image pickup timedatabase 114 and inputs them to the icon/image pickup time conversionmodule 124.

In step S33, the icon/image pickup time conversion module 124 issues aninquiry to the image-position information-image pickup time database 114based on the latitude and the longitude inputted thereto from theposition icon selection interface 123 in step S32 to search for theimage pickup time of a photograph picked up at the place. The searchedout pickup time data is outputted to the thumbnail icon plotting module125 of the film window display processing section 112.

Then in step S34, those thumbnail icons which possess pickup time dataaround the searched out image pickup time are called from theimage-position information-image pickup time database 114, and apredetermined number of them are extracted. Here, the predeterminednumber signifies the number of thumbnail icons which can be displayed inthe film window 151.

Further, the thumbnail icon plotting module 125 searches theimage-position information-image pickup time database 114 using theimage pickup time inputted thereto as a key to detect a predeterminednumber of thumbnail IDs of image data picked up around the image pickuptime and searches for corresponding image data.

In step S35, image data corresponding to the position icons areextracted from the image-position information-image pickup time database114. If image data is not registered as yet, then as a correspondingicon, for example, a camera mark and the text display of “No picture”are displayed on the icon. On the other hand, if corresponding imagedata is registered, then image data is displayed as a correspondingthumbnail icon.

Then in step S36, a predetermined number of thumbnail icons includingthe thumbnail icon corresponding to the selected position icon aredisplayed in a time series in the film window 151. At this time, thethumbnail icon corresponding to the selected position icon from amongthe predetermined number of thumbnail icons displayed in a time seriesin step S36 is displayed at the top of the time series array in stepS37.

Further, in step S38, the thumbnail icon corresponding to the selectedposition icon is emphatically displayed in the film window 151. As suchemphatic display, for example, highlight display or thick line displayof an outer framework of the thumbnail icon is used as seen in FIG. 11.

Then in step S39, it is discriminated whether or not an instruction toend the display mode is issued by the user. If the display mode is to becontinued (step S39: NO), then the display mode is selected continuouslyin step S30.

On the other hand, if it is discriminated that an instruction to end thedisplay mode is issued by the user (step S40: YES), then it isdiscriminated in step S40 whether or not an instruction to end thephotograph image management software is issued by the user.

If it is discriminated in step S40 that an instruction to end thephotograph image management software is not issued (step S40: NO), thenthe processing returns to step S1 illustrated in FIG. 9. Thus, thedisplay screen of the film window 151 and the map window 152 is restoredin step S1, and the register mode or the display mode is selected bymeans of the mode selection buttons 171. Here, the user can operate thebutton for the register mode to change the mode to the register mode.

On the other hand, if it is discriminated in step S40 that aninstruction to end the photograph image management software is issued(step S40: YES), then the processing is ended.

Now, a processing flow of the process B when it is discriminated in stepS31 that none of the position icons is selected (step S31: NO) andconsequently one of the thumbnail icons is selected is described withreference to FIG. 14.

In step S50, the thumbnail icon input interface 126 discriminates basedon an input signal inputted thereto through the embedded controller 68,ISA/EIO bus 63, south bridge 58, PCI bus 56 and north bridge 53 by theuser using the keyboard 5 or the touch pad 6 whether or not one of thethumbnail icons is selected. If it is discriminated in step S50 thatnone of the thumbnail icons is selected (step S50: NO), then theprocessing returns to step S31.

On the other hand, if it is discriminated in step S50 that one of thethumbnail icons is selected (step S50: YES), then in step S51, thethumbnail icon input interface 126 extracts a thumbnail ID correspondingto the thumbnail icon designated by the user from the image-positioninformation-image pickup time database 114 and inputs the thumbnail IDto the image/latitude and longitude/image pickup time conversion module127.

In step S52, the image/latitude and longitude/image pickup timeconversion module 127 searches the image-position information-imagepickup time database 114 using the thumbnail ID inputted thereto fromthe thumbnail icon input interface 126 in step S51 to discriminatewhether or not an image pickup place (a latitude and a longitude) datacorresponding to the thumbnail icon is present.

If it is discriminates in step S52 that latitude and longitude datacorresponding to the thumbnail icon is not detected (step S52: NO), thenthe position icon/route line plotting module 121 outputs a signalrepresenting that no image pickup place has been searched out to thedata input/output control section 115 in step S53.

The data input/output control section 115 receives the signal, reads outtext data corresponding to a message of, for example, “Please registerposition information and time information” from the image-positioninformation-image pickup time database 114, and outputs the text data tothe LCD unit 7 through the north bridge 53, AGP 50, and video controller57. After the message is displayed on the LCD unit 7, the processingreturns to step S7 for the register mode process illustrated in FIG. 9.

On the other hand, if an image pickup place (latitude and longitude) issearched out in step S52 (step S52: YES), then the image/latitude andlongitude/image pickup time conversion module 127 outputs the searchedout latitude and longitude to the map image plotting module 122 in stepS54. The map image plotting module 122 reads out, based on the latitudeand the longitude inputted thereto, map image data centered at theinputted latitude and longitude from the map image-topography-lightingeffect database 113 and outputs the map image data to the positionicon/route line plotting module 121. Further, three-dimensional displayof a topography is performed based on contour data. Lighting is used asone of screen effects. The sun may be displayed at the start point ofthe lighting.

In step S55, the position icon/route line plotting module 121 extracts apredetermined number of position icons including the correspondingposition icon from the image-position information-image pickup timedatabase 114, displays a map image centered at the image pickup placecorresponding to the thumbnail icon designated by the user, and displaysthe position icons 181 to 184 in a time series in the map window 152.Further, the position icon 181 corresponding to the selected thumbnailicon 163 is emphatically displayed by highlight display or the like asseen in FIG. 10.

Further in step S56, route line data with which adjacent ones of theposition icons are connected by a route line are produced and outputtedto the LCD unit 7 through the north bridge 53, AGP 50 and videocontroller 57 so that the data is displayed on the screen.

Then in step S57, it is discriminated whether or not an instruction toend the display mode is issued. If the display mode should be continued(step S57: NO), then the display mode is selected continuously in stepS30.

However, if an instruction to end the display mode is issued by the user(step S57: YES), then the CPU 51 discriminates in step S58 whether ornot an instruction to end the photograph image management software isissued.

If it is discriminated in step S58 that an instruction to end thephotograph image management software is not issued (step S58: NO), thenthe processing returns to step S1 illustrated in the processing flow ofFIG. 9. Thus, in step S1, the display screen of the film window 151 andthe map window 152 is restored, and the register mode or the displaymode is selected by means of the mode selection buttons 171. Thus, theuser can selectively operate the mode selection buttons 171 to changethe mode to the register mode.

On the other hand, if it is discriminated in step S58 that aninstruction to end the photograph image management software is issued(step S58: YES), then the processing is ended. Such processing asillustrated in FIGS. 9, 13 and 14 is performed in such a manner asdescribed above by the photograph image management software.

It is to be noted that the display scale of the position icons shown inFIGS. 10 to 12 can be set variously. For example, by keeping the cursorkey depressed while the shift key of the keyboard 5 is depressed, theposition icons can be enlarged or contracted around the position of themouse cursor 167.

Further, also it is possible to display the position icons 181 to 184 onthe map window 152 and display the thumbnail icon 163, which correspondsto the position icon 181 displayed in highlight display, in highlightdisplay as seen in FIG. 12. Adjacent ones of the position icons areconnected by a route line, and the position icons and the route line aredisplayed in the air portion above the map image.

The amount of movement on the map is calculated in accordance with aninstruction of the CPU 51 based on an input signal from an inputtingapparatus (here the keyboard 5), and concave/convex data of thetopography to be displayed for the movement are stored into a memory(for example, the RAM 54). Thus, a stored album (which includes a route,a card, memory points, map data, topography data and so forth) to beobserved is converted into three-dimensional log viewer data.

The data are supplied to the RAM 54, and as contents to be displayed onthe display apparatus (LCD unit 7), a map to be displayed inconcave/convex display and thumbnail icons and a connecting lineassociated with the map are displayed on the LCD unit 7 in response toan input signal from the inputting apparatus 5. The thumbnail icons andthe map displayed in concave/convex display can be displayed fromvarious directions and enjoyed.

The display of a map moves based on absolute coordinates. Here, theabsolute coordinates are not coordinates of a display position on thedisplay screen but absolute coordinates in a region in which the map ora thumbnail icon moves. The absolute coordinates of each icon or the mapis data of position information (for example, G treks) stored in advanceand a map in the form of digital data linked to the position informationdata.

In short, while the displaying process of a map and display of thumbnailicons are controlled to control movement of the map and the thumbnailicons, the absolute coordinates of the map and the thumbnail icons areread out from the memory and displayed at any time. However, it isotherwise possible to arithmetically operate an area of a map which canbe displayed and apply coordinates in the area with reference to apredetermined position.

Further, as an operation of the display screen 141, the viewpoint may bemoved automatically or manually. For example, as automatic movement ofthe viewpoint, it is possible to provide a switch for switching toautomatic movement of the viewpoint or a resetting function to aninitial camera position or angle such that parallel movement of theviewpoint (in this instance, no variation of the camera angle isinvolved) in the X, Y or Z direction or variation of the camera angle(in this instance, no change of the camera position is involved) may beperformed.

Now, movement is described more particularly. For example, in thepresent embodiment, predetermined keys of the keyboard are allocated tothe movement. However, operation means (which may be, for example, acontrol stick) which can be operated in directions of the x axis and they axis perpendicular to each other and defining a horizontal plane in athree-dimensional space or in directions of the horizontal plane and thez axis perpendicular to the horizontal plane may be used instead. Here,description is given of a case wherein a predetermined key is used.

For leftward or rightward movement, a leftward arrow mark key or arightward arrow mark key of the predetermined keys is operated and thusserves as first changing means for changing an image in the horizontaldirection of the display apparatus.

For movement in the depthwise direction (ZOOM-IN or ZOOM-OUT), the “W”key of the predetermined keys is operated for the ZOOM-IN but the “S”key is operated for the ZOOM-OUT, and they serve as second changingmeans for changing an image in the depthwise direction of the displayapparatus.

For upward or downward movement (SLIDE), an upward arrow mark key of thepredetermined keys is operated for the upward movement, but a downwardarrow mark key is operated for the downward movement, and they serve asthird changing means for changing an image in the vertical direction ofthe display apparatus.

For rolling movement (clockwise ROLL), the numeral keys “9” and “7” areused as the predetermined keys; for upward and downward pitching(PITCH), the numeral keys “8” and “2” are used as the predeterminedkeys; and for leftward and rightward yawing (YAW), the numeral keys “4”and “6” are used as the predetermined keys, to perform respectiveprocesses. It is to be noted that the predetermined keys may beallocated in a different manner.

An operation of any of the predetermined keys is detected, and acorresponding displaying process is performed. For example, if it isdiscriminated that an operation for a horizontal direction is detected,then the CPU 51 controls the map image plotting module 122, positionicon/route line plotting module 121 and so forth to output 119 of a map,position icons and a route line to move the map and thumbnail iconsbeing currently displayed in the direction allocated to thepredetermined key. In other words, the map and thumbnail icons beingcurrently displayed are moved in the leftward or rightward direction ofthe display apparatus.

If the predetermined key for the rightward direction is operated, thenthe map is moved in the rightward direction, but if the predeterminedkey for the leftward direction is operated, then the map is moved in theleftward direction. If the map is moved in the leftward direction, alsothe thumbnail icons are moved in the leftward direction. In this manner,a process of moving a map and thumbnail icons is performed in responseto an operation of any of the predetermined keys.

This is described more particularly with reference to FIG. 15 to 19. Ifa “Play” button is selected in a state wherein such a map as shown inFIG. 15 is displayed on the LCD unit 7, then a selection button for athree-dimensional log viewer is displayed. If the three-dimensional logviewer is selected, then an album (which includes a route, a card,memory points, map data, topography data and so forth) selected andstored in advance is converted into three-dimensional log viewer data.

Then, the data obtained by the conversion are displayed on the LCD unit7. For example, such a screen as shown in FIG. 16 is displayed, and theuser can operate such predetermined keys as described hereinabove tooperate the display position or the movement on the displayed screensuch as leftward or rightward movement (horizontal movement), upward ordownward movement (vertical movement), clockwise or counterclockwiserolling movement, upward or downward pitching movement, or leftward orrightward yawing movement. In this instance, a map of concave/convexdisplay and thumbnail icons are displayed and a route lineinterconnecting them is displayed in the air portion on the map. Thethumbnail icons are displayed in perspective.

Further, if one of the predetermined keys, for example, the space key,is operated once, then the display of FIG. 16 changes to such a displayas shown in FIG. 17 wherein the plane of the map is observed from theupper air. Then, if the space key is operated once again, then thedisplay further changes such that the viewpoint approaches thetopography while turning as seen in FIG. 18, and further, such a screenas shown in FIG. 19 which displays the topography in an increasing scalealong the route of the log of the position information is displayed.Thus, a display full of variations can be enjoyed by successivelyperforming such operations as described above. It is to be noted that,if a thumbnail icon is selected on any of the screens, then a text(comment) and so forth associated with the thumbnail icon can bedisplayed. Further, an operation guide, the direction, the altitude, anautomatic display elapsed time and so forth are displayed like meters onthe display section.

If an operation key of the inputting apparatus is operated to display adisplay screen in an enlarged or reduced scale, then the enlargeddisplay is realized by inserting dots uniformly whereas the reduceddisplay is realized by omitting dots uniformly. Thus, the displayedstate can be changed to obtain an arbitrary enlarged or reduced scalefavorable to the user by moving the viewpoint toward or away from thetopography or the thumbnail icons. It is to be noted that the method forachieving enlarged or reduced display is not limited to such insertionor omission of dots as described above.

As described above, for manual movement of the viewpoint, it is possibleto use the keyboard 5 or the touch pad 6 to perform such operations asthe depthwise movement ZOOM, the leftward or rightward movement SLIDE,the upward or downward movement SLIDE, the clockwise or counterclockwisemovement ROLL, the upward or downward pitching movement PITCH and theleftward or rightward yawing movement YAW and set element keyscorresponding to the operations on the keyboard 5 in order to performthe operations.

In this instance, for the manual movement of the viewpoint, it ispossible to eliminate adjustment of the field of vision of the map imageto be displayed. This makes it possible for the user to look at the mapimage from a favorable place in a favorable angle. In this instance, inorder to prevent the user position from being lost in the field ofvision, an origin may be set such that, when the user position comes tothe origin, a particular camera position may be restored while a cameraangle is set wherein the map image is displayed such that a portionthereof at which a route line is displayed is positioned at the centerof gravity.

Further, the user position may be moved gradually such that, when afixed time elapses, while the camera position is maintained, the cameraangle is set so that the image is displayed such that the portion of themap image at which a route line is displayed comes to the center ofgravity. Further, when a fixed time elapses, the manual movement of theviewpoint may be changed over to automatic movement of the viewpoint.

Furthermore, in addition to a map image, thumbnail icons, position iconsand a route line which are displayed three-dimensionally, for example,text data may be displayed as two-dimensional data. Such text data maybe displayed in regard to, for example, viewpoint position informationor detailed information of an icon displayed in highlight display insuch a manner as illustrated as a 2D text display example in FIGS. 10 to12.

As described above, the thumbnail icon 163 and so forth and the positionicons 181 to 184 can be displayed in a manner associated with each otheron the screen. The position icons indicate position information on aplane defined by two axes representing the latitude and the longitudeand indicate a time series array in a direction of the remaining oneaxis, and image data represented by each of the position icons includesimage pickup time information. Therefore, the user can discriminatereadily when and where stored image data was picked up. Also where aplurality of photographs were taken at the same place, the correspondingrelationship between the image pickup place indicated on the map and thephotograph image data can be represented intelligibly. Also it ispossible to use an image pickup place as a key to search for the pickedup image data and the image pickup date readily.

While the series of processes described above can be executed byhardware, it may otherwise be executed by software. Where the series ofprocesses is executed by software, a program which constructs thesoftware is fetched as a program by communication or some other means orinstalled from a program storage medium into a computer incorporated inhardware for exclusive use or, for example, a personal computer foruniversal use which can execute various functions by installing variousprograms.

The program installed into a computer and placed into an executablestate by the computer is obtained through a communication circuitincluding the Internet, or the program storage medium for storingprograms is formed as a package medium such as, as shown in FIG. 5, amagnetic disk 231 (including a floppy disk), an optical disk 232(including a CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory) and a DVD (DigitalVersatile Disk)), a magneto-optical disk 233 (including an MD(Mini-Disc)), or a semiconductor memory 234, or as a ROM 71 or a harddisk of a HDD 67 on which a program is stored temporarily orpermanently. It is to be noted that storage of the program into theprogram storage medium may be recorded on the program storage medium inadvance or may be performed making use of the Internet 80 or a wired orwireless communication medium such as a local area network or a digitalsatellite broadcast.

It is to be noted that, in the present specification, the steps whichdescribe the program recorded in or on a program storage medium may bebut need not necessarily be processed in a time series in the order asdescribed, and include processes which are executed parallelly orindividually without being processed in a time series.

While a preferred embodiment of the present invention has been describedusing specific terms, such description is for illustrative purposesonly, and it is to be understood that changes and variations may be madewithout departing from the spirit or scope of the following claims.

1. An information processing apparatus, comprising: a notebook-typeportable personal computer including: display means forming a movablecover of the portable personal computer; image data inputting means forinputting image data; time information inputting means for inputtingtime information in connection with said image data; positioninformation inputting means for inputting position information inconnection with said image data; map display control means forcontrolling display of a 3D map image; position icon display controlmeans for controlling display of position icons indicative of said timeinformation and said position information on the 3D map image whosedisplay is controlled by said map display control means; concave/convexdisplay control means for controlling topographic concave/convex displayof the 3D map image whose display is controlled by said map displaycontrol means, wherein said map display control means changes aviewpoint of the 3D map image in response to pitch and yaw informationentered by a user; thumbnail icon display control means for controllinga display of thumbnail icons indicative of said image data; positionicon data inputting means for inputting data representative of saidposition icons; and said thumbnail icon display control meanscontrolling a sequential time series display of the thumbnail icons inresponse to said time information corresponding to the datarepresentative of the position icons inputted by said position icon datainputting means and in response to the changing 3D map viewpoint,wherein the thumbnail icons are displayed so as to float above the 3Dmap image.
 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,further comprising thumbnail icon data inputting means for inputtingdata representative of said thumbnail icons, said map display controlmeans controlling a display region of the map image based on saidposition information corresponding to the data representative of thethumbnail icons inputted by said thumbnail icon data inputting means. 3.The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein saidconcave/convex display control means for controlling the topographicconcave/convex display of said map image controls the topographicconcave/convex display based on contour data of a topography.
 4. Theinformation processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein saidconcave/convex display control means for controlling the topographicconcave/convex display of said map image controls the topographicconcave/convex display based on arbitrary illumination direction dataand shadow data associated with the arbitrary illumination directiondata.
 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,further comprising: position icon time series display control means forcontrolling a time series display of said position icons in said mapimage based on said time information; and connection line displaycontrol means for controlling a connection line display between aplurality of said position icons.
 6. The information processingapparatus according to claim 3, wherein the map image whose display iscontrolled by said map display control means and a thumbnail icondisplay displayed on said map image by said thumbnail icon displaycontrol means are moved by at least one of horizontal movement, verticalmovement, clockwise or counterclockwise rolling movement, upward ordownward pitching movement and leftward or rightward yawing movement. 7.The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein themap image whose display is controlled by said map display control meansand a thumbnail icon display displayed on said map image by saidthumbnail icon display control means are moved by at least one ofhorizontal movement, vertical movement, clockwise or counterclockwiserolling movement, upward or downward pitching movement and leftward orrightward yawing movement.